With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fast approaching, predictions are already flying in. A panel of Star Sports experts - featuring former captains, World Cup winners, and seasoned analysts - have shared their picks for the four teams they believe will reach the semifinals. While there’s plenty of overlap, a few bold calls add spice to the debate.

Favourites dominate as a few bold semifinal picks stand out

As expected, India feature unanimously across all predictions. Playing at home, boasting enviable depth, and carrying recent white-ball success, India are widely seen as the team to beat. Australia and England also dominate most lists, reflecting their consistency in ICC tournaments and adaptability to different conditions.

What makes the predictions interesting, however, are the selective inclusions beyond the usual favourites. South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka all find mentions, highlighting how competitive and unpredictable the T20 format can be.

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Former India head coach Anil Kumble stayed with the tried-and-tested combination of India, Australia, England, and New Zealand. Irfan Pathan, on the other hand, backed Pakistan’s firepower to make a deep run. Suresh Raina surprised many by tipping Sri Lanka as semifinalists, pointing to their growing bench strength and fearless brand of cricket.

Here’s a snapshot of the experts’ predictions:

Overall, the consensus suggests a familiar semifinal line-up, but with T20 cricket known for sudden twists, fans can expect surprises when the tournament gets underway. One thing is certain - the road to the semifinals will be fiercely contested.